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Like most countries around the world, Thailand is suffering from the lack of tourists coming into the country as a result of the global pandemic. However, the government has recently approved the use of several golf resorts as quarantine venues for incoming travelers, who will be able to play golf on the courses whilst completing their mandatory quarantine period.
A move that is bound to be more appealing than spending weeks cooped up in a hotel room, here’s all you need to know about Thailand’s golf quarantine, including where it can be done and how to secure a place at one of the resorts.
Entry to Thailand – What Travelers Need to Know
Whilst many countries have been closing their borders to foreign tourists, Thailand has been widening its entry requirements in order to try and boost tourism to the country. In December, Thailand made the decision to allow visa-free travel for citizens from 56 countries, who could enter for a period of up to 30 days.
With many countries advising their citizens to remain home, Thailand has found it difficult to attract tourists to the Land of Smiles. October saw only 1,201 foreign visitors enter the country, compared to more than 3,000,000 in October 2019 – a 99.96% drop in the number of foreign arrivals. However, there are other reasons why Thailand has failed to woo tourists back to its shores – such as its prohibitively expensive quarantine.
Quarantine In Thailand
Thailand is one of many countries around the world that has adopted the need to quarantine upon arrival in order to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Whilst many countries have changed their rules regarding quarantine, Thailand has remained relatively consistent throughout.
Prior to arriving in Thailand, travelers must show a negative PCR test result and secure a stay at one of Thailand’s Alternative State Quarantine (ASQ) facilities, which have been approved by the government. The quarantine period lasts for 14 days, and those under quarantine must take three further Covid-19 tests on day 0-1, 9-10 and 13-14 of their stay. There have been discussions about shortening the stay in quarantine, but nothing yet has changed in this regard. Quarantine stays are pricey in Thailand, ranging from 28,000 THB ($930 USD) to much more, but include three meals a day, the Covid-19 tests and a transfer from the airport. With expensive mandatory hotel stays, it’s not hard to see why travelers have resisted a return to Thailand thus far. However, that may soon be about to change.
Golf Quarantine – What Travelers Need To Know
The Thai government has pitched six golf resorts as destinations for foreign travelers to complete their mandatory quarantine, in a move that safely introducing foreign tourists back into the country firmly in its sights.
Each of the resorts has been audited to ensure suitability and safety. They are spread around the country; three are found in Kanchanaburi (Mida Golf Club, Evergreen Hills Golf Club and Blue Star Golf Course), and one each in Nakhon Nayok (Artitaya Golf & Resort), Phetchaburi (Sawang Resort and Golf Club) and Chiang Mai (Artitaya Chiang Mai Golf & Resort). Each resort boasts impressive facilities that those under quarantine can enjoy. Unlike other ASQ locations, those in the golf resorts are free to roam the grounds and play golf – a proposition that Thailand is hoping will encourage more travelers to return.
Those hoping to complete their quarantine must still ensure they have the necessary documents required for entry, such as a valid visa type, negative PCR test result, medical and travel insurance and Certificate of Entry.
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Disclaimer: Current travel rules and restrictions can change without notice. The decision to travel is ultimately your responsibility. Contact your consulate and/or local authorities to confirm your nationality’s entry and/or any changes to travel requirements before traveling. Travel Off Path does not endorse traveling against government advisories
Glen D Christensen
Friday 15th of January 2021
Philippines is out for this year and I was excited that maybe I could go to Thailand, but given the cost and quarantine BS Central America is looking much better.
Liberty
Thursday 14th of January 2021
So Thailand is basically trying to rebrand itself to cater to "elites"?
Vinny the Adventurer
Thursday 14th of January 2021
People aren’t coming because it’s too hard and bureaucratic to come. It’s not complicated, Thailand.
EdwardV
Thursday 14th of January 2021
Problem is you are still in a 15-16 day quarantine (it's never just the 14 days since they don't count the day you arrive). You might be outside for 2-3 hours, but the rest of the time you are locked in your hotel room. Keeping in mind it's not golf every day either. Still it's something if golf is your thing and you just have to get back into Thailand. Lastly the 28,000 Baht rate is for the budget BKK ASQ hotels (which book up months in advance), not the golf course version.